As the festive lights twinkle and carols fill the air, it's easy to see Christmas as a single, joyous season. However, for many Filipinos, the true challenge lies in carrying its core message beyond December. This annual celebration, marking the birth of Jesus Christ—the Redeemer, Emmanuel, and Light of the world—holds a deeper call to action that should resonate every day.
The Heart of the Celebration: More Than a Season
As noted by columnist Rosse G in a recent piece, the foundation of Christmas is fundamentally Christian. There can be no genuine Christmas without Christ at its center, a truth often obscured when we abbreviate it to 'Xmas'. The season commemorates the pivotal event of God becoming man, a story that begins with the joy of the Nativity, moves through the sorrow of the Crucifixion, and culminates in the exultation of the Resurrection.
Rosse G points out that numerous reflections emphasize how the Christmas spirit should not be confined to December. The virtues it celebrates—loving, forgiving, giving, and caring—were embodied by Christ himself. For his followers, making these actions a daily habit is the most fitting tribute.
Practical Love in Motion: Lessons from the Season
Amidst the widespread revelry, it's crucial to remember that not everyone is in a celebratory mood. The holidays can amplify feelings of loss, loneliness, and financial strain. This is where the practical application of Christmas values becomes vital.
Look around you. Someone in your community might be grieving the loss of a loved one. A simple act of comfort, through your presence and words of encouragement, can be a powerful gesture. Christ consistently attended to the needs of others, healing and feeding them. Similarly, we can extend a helping hand to an old friend facing difficulties.
This assistance doesn't need to be grandiose. It could be as direct as helping foot a medical bill like a sonography or providing support during a time of financial hardship. These acts of 'seasoning'—adding flavor and relief to someone else's life—are the essence of practical love.
Honoring the Celebrant Through Daily Deeds
The journey of faith doesn't require navigating a complex 'garden of good deeds.' As Rosse G and the author concluded, the path is simpler: putting love into practical motion. By consciously choosing to forgive, to give generously, and to care for those who are struggling, we honor Jesus Christ, the Savior whose birth we celebrate.
This Christmas and throughout the coming year, the invitation is clear. Let the joy of the season be the starting point for a sustained commitment to embodying its true spirit, making every day an opportunity to reflect the light that Christmas represents to the world.
